History
Little is known about the history of Torres Novas prior to the conquest of the city from the Arabs in 1148 by Don Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. It is assumed that several peoples called the area home, including the Greeks, Romans, Celts and Arabs. The Roman presence is well established based on the ruins at Vila CardÃlio.
The castle, which had fallen into ruin, was rebuilt in 1190 by Sancho I. The castle was further rebuilt by Ferdinand I in 1376. The city grew up directly around the castle.
The city was surrounded by walls until the 16th century when it began to expand beyond its historical boundaries. The original walls were demolished during the 19th century.
Read more about this topic: Torres Novas Municipality
Famous quotes containing the word history:
“American time has stretched around the world. It has become the dominant tempo of modern history, especially of the history of Europe.”
—Harold Rosenberg (1906–1978)
“This above all makes history useful and desirable: it unfolds before our eyes a glorious record of exemplary actions.”
—Titus Livius (Livy)
“The history of the past is but one long struggle upward to equality.”
—Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815–1902)